Independent power consumption management in a MIMO transceiver and method for use therewith

ABSTRACT

An integrated circuit (IC) includes a multi-input multi-output transceiver system that includes a plurality of RF transceivers. Each RF transceiver includes an RF transmitter that transmits a transmit signal at a selected transmit power, based on a transmit power control signal and a corresponding RF receiver for receiving a corresponding one of a plurality of received signals from an external device and for generating a signal strength indication corresponding to each of the plurality of received signals. A processing module generates the transmit power control signal for each RF transmitter based on the signal strength indication of the corresponding RF receiver, and that generates a power mode signal for adjusting a power consumption parameter of each RF transmitter in accordance with the selected transmit power for each RF transmitter.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation, to U.S. Utility patent applicationSer. No. 11/861,865, entitled INDEPENDENT POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENTIN A MIMO TRANSCEIVER AND METHOD FOR USE THEREWITH, filed Sep. 26, 2007,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety andmade part of the present U.S. Utility Patent Application for allpurposes.

The present application is related to the following applications:

-   -   1. POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT IN A MIMO TRANSCEIVER AND METHOD        FOR USE THEREWITH, having Ser. No. 11/860,355, filed on Sep. 24,        2007, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,978,621 on Jul. 12, 2011; and    -   2. POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT AND DATA RATE CONTROL BASED ON        TRANSMIT POWER AND METHOD FOR USE THEREWITH, having Ser. No.        11/860,623, filed on Sep. 25, 2007, issued as U.S. Pat. No.        7,949,315, on May 24, 2011;        the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference        thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to mobile communication devices andmore particularly to a circuit for managing power in an RF integratedcircuit.

2. Description of Related Art

As is known, integrated circuits are used in a wide variety of productsincluding, but certainly not limited to, portable electronic devices,computers, computer networking equipment, home entertainment, automotivecontrols and features, and home appliances. As is also known, integratedcircuits include a plurality of circuits in a very small space toperform one or more fixed or programmable functions.

Power management can be an important consideration for electronicdevices, particularly for mobile devices that operate from batterypower. Lowering the power consumption of a device can increase batterylife, or conversely, can potentially decrease the size of the batterythat is required, with a corresponding decrease in weight and size.

The advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one skilledin the art when presented with the disclosure herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods of operationthat are further described in the following Brief Description of theDrawings, the Detailed Description of the Invention, and the claims.Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of the invention madewith reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integratedcircuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anintegrated circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an RF front endin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a radiotransmitter front-end in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a poweramplifier in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of another poweramplifier in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of powermanagement circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powermanagement circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powermanagement circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powermanagement circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 27 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 28 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 29 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 30 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 31 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 32 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 33 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 34 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 35 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention; and

FIG. 36 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem in accordance with the present invention. In particular acommunication system is shown that includes a communication device 10that communicates real-time data 24 and/or non-real-time data 26wirelessly with one or more other devices such as base station 18,non-real-time device 20, real-time device 22, and non-real-time and/orreal-time device 24. In addition, communication device 10 can alsooptionally communicate over a wireline connection with non-real-timedevice 12, real-time device 14, non-real-time and/or real-time device16.

In an embodiment of the present invention the wireline connection 28 canbe a wired connection that operates in accordance with one or morestandard protocols, such as a universal serial bus (USB), Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 488, IEEE 1394 (Firewire),Ethernet, small computer system interface (SCSI), serial or paralleladvanced technology attachment (SATA or PATA), or other wiredcommunication protocol, either standard or proprietary. The wirelessconnection can communicate in accordance with a wireless networkprotocol such as IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), WIMAX, orother wireless network protocol, a wireless telephony data/voiceprotocol such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution(EDGE), Personal Communication Services (PCS), or other mobile wirelessprotocol or other wireless communication protocol, either standard orproprietary. Further, the wireless communication path can includeseparate transmit and receive paths that use separate carrierfrequencies and/or separate frequency channels. Alternatively, a singlefrequency or frequency channel can be used to bi-directionallycommunicate data to and from the communication device 10.

Communication device 10 can be a mobile phone such as a cellulartelephone, a personal digital assistant, game console, personalcomputer, laptop computer, or other device that performs one or morefunctions that include communication of voice and/or data via wirelineconnection 28 and/or the wireless communication path. In an embodimentof the present invention, the real-time and non-real-time devices 12, 1416, 18, 20, 22 and 24 can be personal computers, laptops, PDAs, mobilephones, such as cellular telephones, devices equipped with wirelesslocal area network or Bluetooth transceivers, F_(M) tuners, TV tuners,digital cameras, digital camcorders, or other devices that eitherproduce, process or use audio, video signals or other data orcommunications.

In operation, the communication device includes one or more applicationsthat include voice communications such as standard telephonyapplications, voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications, localgaming, Internet gaming, email, instant messaging, multimedia messaging,web browsing, audio/video recording, audio/video playback, audio/videodownloading, playing of streaming audio/video, office applications suchas databases, spreadsheets, word processing, presentation creation andprocessing and other voice and data applications. In conjunction withthese applications, the real-time data 26 includes voice, audio, videoand multimedia applications including Internet gaming, etc. Thenon-real-time data 24 includes text messaging, email, web browsing, fileuploading and downloading, etc.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 10includes an integrated circuit, such as a combined voice, data and RFintegrated circuit that includes one or more features or functions ofthe present invention. Such integrated circuits shall be described ingreater detail in association with FIGS. 3-27 that follow.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 2 presents a communication system that includes manycommon elements of FIG. 1 that are referred to by common referencenumerals. Communication device 30 is similar to communication device 10and is capable of any of the applications, functions and featuresattributed to communication device 10, as discussed in conjunction withFIG. 1. However, communication device 30 includes two separate wirelesstransceivers for communicating, contemporaneously, via two or morewireless communication protocols with data device 32 and/or data basestation 34 via RF data 40 and voice base station 36 and/or voice device38 via RF voice signals 42.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integratedcircuit in accordance with the present invention. In particular, an RFintegrated circuit (IC) 50 is shown that implements communication device10 in conjunction with microphone 60, keypad/keyboard 58, memory 54,speaker 62, display 56, camera 76, antenna interface 52 and wirelineport 64. In addition, RF IC 50 includes a transceiver 73 with RF andbaseband modules for formatting and modulating data into RF real-timedata 26 and non-real-time data 24 and transmitting this data via anantenna interface 72 and an antenna. Further, RF IC 50 includes aninput/output module 71 with appropriate encoders and decoders forcommunicating via the wireline connection 28 via wireline port 64, anoptional memory interface for communicating with off-chip memory 54, acodec for encoding voice signals from microphone 60 into digital voicesignals, a keypad/keyboard interface for generating data fromkeypad/keyboard 58 in response to the actions of a user, a displaydriver for driving display 56, such as by rendering a color videosignal, text, graphics, or other display data, and an audio driver suchas an audio amplifier for driving speaker 62 and one or more otherinterfaces, such as for interfacing with the camera 76 or the otherperipheral devices.

Off-chip power management circuit 95 includes one or more DC-DCconverters, voltage regulators, current regulators or other powersupplies for supplying the RF IC 50 and optionally the other componentsof communication device 10 and/or its peripheral devices with supplyvoltages and or currents (collectively power supply signals) that may berequired to power these devices. Off-chip power management circuit 95can operate from one or more batteries, line power and/or from otherpower sources, not shown. In particular, off-chip power managementmodule can selectively supply power supply signals of differentvoltages, currents or current limits or with adjustable voltages,currents or current limits in response to power mode signals receivedfrom the RF IC 50. RF IC 50 optionally includes an on-chip powermanagement circuit 95′ for replacing the off-chip power managementcircuit 95.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the RF IC 50 is a system on achip integrated circuit that includes at least one processing device.Such a processing device, for instance, processing module 225, may be amicroprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. Theassociated memory may be a single memory device or a plurality of memorydevices that are either on-chip or off-chip such as memory 54. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note thatwhen the processing module 225 implements one or more of its functionsvia a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the associated memory storing the corresponding operationalinstructions for this circuitry is embedded with the circuitrycomprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry.

In operation, the RF IC 50 executes operational instructions thatimplement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time)attributed to communication devices 10 and 30 as discussed inconjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2. Further, RF IC 50 includes powermanagement features in accordance with the present invention that willbe discussed in greater detail in association with FIGS. 5-27.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anintegrated circuit in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 4 presents a communication device 30 that includes manycommon elements of FIG. 3 that are referred to by common referencenumerals. RF IC 70 is similar to RF IC 50 and is capable of any of theapplications, functions and features attributed to RF IC 50 as discussedin conjunction with FIG. 3. However, RF IC 70 includes two separatewireless transceivers 73 and 75 for communicating, contemporaneously,via two or more wireless communication protocols via RF data 40 and RFvoice signals 42.

In operation, the RF IC 70 executes operational instructions thatimplement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time)attributed to communication device 10 as discussed in conjunction withFIG. 1. Further, RF IC 70 includes power management features inaccordance with the present invention that will be discussed in greaterdetail in association with FIGS. 5-27.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an RF transceiver 125, such astransceiver 73 or 75, which may be incorporated in communication devices10 and/or 30. The RF transceiver 125 includes an RF transmitter 129, anRF receiver 127 that operate in accordance with a wireless local areanetwork protocol, a pico area network protocol, a wireless telephonyprotocol, a wireless data protocol, or other protocol. The RF receiver127 includes a RF front end 140, a down conversion module 142, and areceiver processing module 144. The RF transmitter 129 includes atransmitter processing module 146, an up conversion module 148, and aradio transmitter front-end 150.

As shown, the receiver and transmitter are each coupled to an antennathrough an off-chip antenna interface 171 and a diplexer (duplexer) 177,that couples the transmit signal 155 to the antenna to produce outboundRF signal 170 and couples inbound RF signal 152 to produce receivedsignal 153. While a single antenna is represented, the receiver andtransmitter may each employ separate antennas or share a multipleantenna structure that includes two or more antennas. In anotherembodiment, the receiver and transmitter may share a multiple inputmultiple output (MIMO) antenna structure that includes a plurality ofantennas. Each antenna may be fixed, programmable, an antenna array orother antenna configuration. Accordingly, the antenna structure of thewireless transceiver will depend on the particular standard(s) to whichthe wireless transceiver is compliant and the applications thereof.

In operation, the transmitter receives outbound data 162 from a hostdevice or other source via the transmitter processing module 146. Thetransmitter processing module 146 processes the outbound data 162 inaccordance with a particular wireless communication standard (e.g., IEEE802.11, Bluetooth, RFID, GSM, CDMA, et cetera) to produce baseband orlow intermediate frequency (IF) transmit (TX) signals 164. The basebandor low IF TX signals 164 may be digital baseband signals (e.g., have azero IF) or digital low IF signals, where the low IF typically will bein a frequency range of one hundred kilohertz to a few megahertz. Notethat the processing performed by the transmitter processing module 146includes, but is not limited to, scrambling, encoding, puncturing,mapping, modulation, and/or digital baseband to IF conversion. Furthernote that the transmitter processing module 146 may be implemented usinga shared processing device, individual processing devices, or aplurality of processing devices and may further include memory. Such aprocessing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digitalsignal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operationalinstructions. The memory may be a single memory device or a plurality ofmemory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, randomaccess memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,dynamic memory, flash memory, and/or any device that stores digitalinformation. Note that when the processing module 146 implements one ormore of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the correspondingoperational instructions is embedded with the circuitry comprising thestate machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry.

The up conversion module 148 includes a digital-to-analog conversion(DAC) module, a filtering and/or gain module, and a mixing section. TheDAC module converts the baseband or low IF TX signals 164 from thedigital domain to the analog domain. The filtering and/or gain modulefilters and/or adjusts the gain of the analog signals prior to providingit to the mixing section. The mixing section converts the analogbaseband or low IF signals into up converted signals 166 based on atransmitter local oscillation 168.

The radio transmitter front end 150 includes a power amplifier and mayalso include a transmit filter module. The power amplifier amplifies theup converted signals 166 to produce outbound RF signals 170, which maybe filtered by the transmitter filter module, if included. The antennastructure transmits the outbound RF signals 170 to a targeted devicesuch as a RF tag, base station, an access point and/or another wirelesscommunication device via an antenna interface 171 coupled to an antennathat provides impedance matching and optional bandpass filtration.

The receiver receives inbound RF signals 152 via the antenna andoff-chip antenna interface 171 that operates to process the inbound RFsignal 152 into received signal 153 for the receiver front-end 140. Ingeneral, antenna interface 171 provides impedance matching of antenna tothe RF front-end 140 and optional bandpass filtration of the inbound RFsignal 152.

The down conversion module 70 includes a mixing section, an analog todigital conversion (ADC) module, and may also include a filtering and/orgain module. The mixing section converts the desired RF signal 154 intoa down converted signal 156 that is based on a receiver localoscillation 158, such as an analog baseband or low IF signal. The ADCmodule converts the analog baseband or low IF signal into a digitalbaseband or low IF signal. The filtering and/or gain module high passand/or low pass filters the digital baseband or low IF signal to producea baseband or low IF signal 156. Note that the ordering of the ADCmodule and filtering and/or gain module may be switched, such that thefiltering and/or gain module is an analog module.

The receiver processing module 144 processes the baseband or low IFsignal 156 in accordance with a particular wireless communicationstandard (e.g., IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, RFID, GSM, CDMA, et cetera) toproduce inbound data 160. The processing performed by the receiverprocessing module 144 can include, but is not limited to, digitalintermediate frequency to baseband conversion, demodulation, demapping,depuncturing, decoding, and/or descrambling. Note that the receiverprocessing modules 144 may be implemented using a shared processingdevice, individual processing devices, or a plurality of processingdevices and may further include memory. Such a processing device may bea microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The memorymay be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note thatwhen the receiver processing module 144 implements one or more of itsfunctions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operationalinstructions is embedded with the circuitry comprising the statemachine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

In operation, processing module 225 generates a transmit power controlsignal 169 based on an AGC signal 141 from receiver front-end 140. RFtransmitter 129, in turn, generates a transmit signal 155 having aselected power level, wherein the selected power level is based on thetransmit power control signal 169. If, for instance, RF transceiver 125is communicating with an external device and is receiving an inbound RFsignal 152 with high signal strength, the strength of received signal153 will generate an AGC signal 141 that controls the gain of the RFfront-end lower and that can be used by processing module 255, viatransmit power control signal 169, to select a lower power level fortransmit signal 155. This can conserve power and possibly battery life,when the device that incorporates RF transceiver 125 is a mobilecommunication device, and can help reduce interference for otherstations in range of RF transceiver 125 that may be communicating withthe same access point or base station or that may otherwise be using thesame spectrum.

Similarly, if for instance, RF transceiver 125 is communicating with anexternal device and is receiving an inbound RF signal 152 with lowsignal strength, the strength of received signal 153 will generate anAGC signal 141 that controls the gain of the RF front-end higher andthat can be used by processing module 255, via transmit power controlsignal 169, to select a higher power level for transmit signal 155. Thiscan help outbound RF signal 170 reach an external device that may bedistant, or that has an obstructed communication path to RF transceiver125.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing module 225adjusts the transmit power control signal 169 based on the AGC signal141. For instance, the processing module 225 can include hardware,firmware or software that, via a look-up table or algorithm, generates atransmit power control signal 169 corresponding to a desired power levelbased on the value of the AGC signal 141. In particular, RF transmitter129 may be capable of operating at one of a plurality of power levels(such as low, medium, high or a greater number of levels), and theprocessing module 225 can generate the transmit power control signal bycomparing the AGC signal to a corresponding plurality of thresholds tocontrol the transmit power in accordance with the received signalstrength.

In addition, the processing module 225 can include a filter or use otherfiltration to generate a filtered AGC signal and to adjust the transmitpower control signal 169 in response to the filtered AGC signal. In thissituation, the transmit power can be controlled to adjust to slowerchanges in the AGC signal to avoid rapid fluctuations in the receivedsignal.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an RF front endin accordance with the present invention. In particular, RF front end140 includes an AGC module 336 that generates an automatic gain control(AGC) signal 141 based on a strength of the received signal 153 and alow noise amplifier 330, coupled to the AGC module, that amplifies thereceived signal 153 based on the AGC signal 141 to produce an amplifiedreceived signal such as desired RF signal 154. It should be noted thatAGC module 336 operates by responding to the signal strength, energy orpower in the received signal to control the gain of the low noiseamplifier 330 to a level that amplifies the signal, but avoids clippingor saturation of the low noise amplifier 330. AGC signal 141 can be ananalog signal, a discrete time signal or a digital signal that is usedby processing module 225 as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a radiotransmitter front-end in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, radio transmitter front-end 150 is shown that includes apower amplifier 180 that produces transmit signal 155 from up-convertedsignal 166. In an embodiment of the present invention, power amplifier180 includes at least one adjustable gain amplifier having a transmitgain that is based on the transmit power control signal 169. In thisfashion, the power level of transmit signal 155 can be selected oradjusted to a desired level, based on the transmit power control signal169. In a particular implementation, power amplifier 180 can operate atone of a plurality of power levels as selected by transmit power controlsignal 169. Further, power supply signals 192, can either be static oradjustable to one of a plurality of power modes to supply the necessarypower to power amplifier 180 based on the selected power level.

For example, power amplifier 180 can operate in a plurality of powerlevels such as in a low, medium and high or to a greater number oflevels. The supply voltage or current limit of power supply signals 192can be modified by the power management circuit 95 or 95′ and/oradditional power supply signals 192 can be supplied, based on theselected mode of operation. A high current limit and/or high voltage cancorrespond to a high power mode. A medium current limit and/or mediumsupply voltage can correspond to the medium power mode. Further, a lowcurrent limit and/or low supply voltage can correspond to the low powermode.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a poweramplifier in accordance with the present invention. In this embodimentpower amplifier 180 is implemented with a plurality of separate poweramplifier stages 182, 184, 186, etc. These series configured poweramplifier stages are powered separately by power supply signals 192 thatmay have different supply voltage and/or current limits. A switchingnetwork 190 couples the transmit signal 155 from the power amplifiers182, 184, 186, etc. in response to the transmit power control signal169.

In a low power mode, power supply signals 192 supply power to only poweramplifier 182 designed for low power operation) and not to poweramplifiers 184 and 186, etc. The switching network 190 couples theoutput 183 of power amplifier 182 as the transmit signal 155. Thisreduces power consumption of the circuit in this low power mode. In amedium power mode, the output 183 of power amplifier 182 is amplifiedagain by power amplifier 184 to produce output 185 that is coupled byswitching network 190 as transmit signal 155. In this medium power mode,only power amplifiers 182 and 184 are fed power supply signals 192 fromthe power management circuit 95 or 95′ with the other power amplifiersleft unpowered. As can be seen, additional power modes can power more orall of the power amplifier stages to supply greater output power. Onlythose output stages in use are powered by power supply signals 192 inorder to conserve power.

FIG. 9 is schematic block diagram of an embodiment of another poweramplifier in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment,a parallel configuration of power amplifiers 182, 184 and 186 arepresented, each corresponding to a separate power level. For instance,power amplifier 182 can operate at a low power range of −50 to −15 db,power amplifier 184 can operate at a medium power range of −15 to +10 dband power amplifier 186 can operate at a high power range of +10 to +28db. With each range corresponding to a separate power mode, theparticular power mode can be selected based on the desired power range.In operation, the corresponding power amplifier is supplied power by thecorresponding one of the power supply signals 192 (having acorresponding supply voltage and/or current limit) with its outputcoupled as transmit signal 155 by switching network 194. The other poweramplifiers can be left unpowered in order to conserve power.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention. In particular RFtransceiver 125, such as transceiver 73 or 75, is shown in a furtherembodiment that includes similar elements that are referred to by commonreference numerals. In this embodiment, processing module 225 optionallygenerates transmit power control signal 169 but also generates powermode signal 165, based on the AGC signal 141, that can be used foradjusting a power consumption parameter of the RF IC 50 or 70, such as apower supply voltage or current used generally or a specific powersupply signal used in powering either the RF receiver 127 or the RFtransmitter 129.

For instance, a lower power mode can be selected for the RF transmitterbased 129 in the event that the AGC signal 141 indicates a strongreceived signal 153 from an external device corresponding to a desiredlower power consumption and a lower power level for transmit signal 155.In addition, to reducing the transmit power level, one or more powerconsumption parameters of the power supply signals can be adjusted inresponse to power mode signal 165. In an example, power supply signals192 can be adjusted by adding or removing a power supply signal, forinstance, as discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 8 and 9. Further powersupply signals 192 can be adjusting a power supply voltage or current tothe appropriate transmit power level.

In addition or in the alternative, power consumption parameters of theRF receiver, the processor or other modules of RF IC 50 or 70 can beadjusted in response to power mode signal 165. For example, a powersupply voltage or current used to power the RF receiver 127 can beadjusted based on the expected power consumption of the RF receiver 127determined from the AGC signal 141.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing module 225adjusts the power mode signal 165 based on the AGC signal 141. Forinstance, the processing module 225 can include hardware, firmware orsoftware that, via a look-up table or algorithm, generates a power modesignal 165 corresponding to a desired power consumption parameters,based on the value of the AGC signal 141.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of powermanagement circuitry in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, selected modules of RF IC 50 or 70 are shown that include RFtransceiver 125, processing module 225, memory module 230, and clocksignal generator 202. In an embodiment of the present invention, memorymodule 230 stores a least one application, such as application 232and/or application 234 that may include any of the applicationsdiscussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, as well as other interfaceapplications, system utilities, or other programs executed by processingmodule 225 to perform the functions and features of communication device10 or 30. These applications are stored in memory module 230 and/or anoff-chip memory such as memory 54, as a plurality of operationalinstructions.

Off-chip power management circuit 95 receives the power mode signal 165as part of power mode signals 208 and generates a plurality of powersupply signals 204 to power off-chip modules and on-chip modules asthese modules are in use such as transmitter power supply signal 252 andreceiver supply signal 250. As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 10,transmitter supply signal 252 and or receiver supply signal 250 can beadjusted based on the power mode signal 165 and the current power mode.For example, the various power modes of RF transmitter 129 can include alow, medium and high power ranges of power levels. Power mode signal165, included in power mode signals 208, can inform the off-chip powermanagement circuit of the selected power mode of the RF transmitter 129so that off-chip power management circuit 95 can supply the necessarypower supply signals 204 to meet the power demands of the selected modeof operation. This methodology allows power to be generated for the RFtransmitter and/or the transmitter, only as required to address thecurrent power mode in use.

Also, if communication device 10 or 30 is using certain peripheraldevices and/or certain interfaces or modules at a given time, off-chippower management circuit 95 can be commanded to supply only those powersupply signals 204 that are required based on the peripheral devices,interfaces and/or other modules that are in use. Further, if a USBdevice is coupled to wireline port 64, then a power mode command can besent to off-chip power management module 95 to generate a power supplysignal 204 that supplies a power supply voltage, (such as a 5 volt, 8milliamp supply voltage) to the wireline port 64 in order to power theUSB device or devices connected thereto. In another example, if thecommunication device 10 includes a mobile communication device thatoperates in accordance with a GSM or EDGE wireless protocol, theoff-chip power management circuit 95 can generate supply voltages forthe baseband and RF modules of the transceiver only when the transceiveris operating.

Further, peripheral devices, such as the camera 76, memory 54,keypad/keyboard 58, microphone 60, display 56, and speaker 62 can bepowered when these peripheral devices are attached (to the extent thatthey can be detached) and to the extent that these devices are currentlyin use by the application.

The power management features of the present invention operate based onthe processing module determining, for the current application beingexecuted with corresponding current use characteristics, the currentpower mode of a plurality of power modes. In particular, processingmodule 225 when executing the application, can select a current powermode based on current use characteristics of the application as well asthe AGC signal 141 and generate a power mode signal 208 based on theselected power modes. In an embodiment of the present invention,processing module 225 maintains a register that indicates for aplurality of modules, interfaces and/or peripheral devices either,whether that device is currently being used or a power flag, such aspower off, power on, high power, low power, medium power, etc, for thatparticular device, module and/or interface (when these devices arethemselves capable in operating in different power modes). In addition,processing module, via look-up table, calculation or other processingroutine, determines power mode 208 by determining the particular powersupply signals required to be generated based on the devices in use andoptionally their own power states.

The off-chip power management circuit 95 can be implemented as amulti-output programmable power supply, that receives the power modesignal 208 and generates and optionally routes the power supply signals204 to particular ports, pins or pads of RF IC 50 or 70 or directly toperipheral devices via a switch matrix, as commanded based on the powermode signal. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power modesignal 208 is decoded by the off-chip power management module todetermine the particular power supply signals to be generated, andoptionally—their characteristics such as voltage, current and/or currentlimit. As shown, RF IC 50 or 70 optionally generates a clock signal 206via clock signal generator 202, or otherwise couples a clock signal 206generated off-chip to the off-chip power management circuit 95. Theoff-chip power management circuit 95 operates based on the clock signal206.

In an embodiment of the present invention, RF IC 50 or 70 couples thepower mode signal 208 to the off-chip power management circuit 95 viaone or more dedicated digital lines that comprise a parallel interface.Further, the RF IC 50 or 70 can couple the power mode signal 208 to theoff-chip power management circuit via a serial communication interfacesuch as an I²C interface, serial/deserializer (SERDES) interface orother serial interface.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powermanagement circuitry in accordance with the present invention. Thisembodiment includes similar elements described in conjunction with FIG.11 that are referred to by common reference numerals. In particular,on-chip power management circuit 95′ includes one or more DC-DCconverters, voltage regulators, current regulators or other powersupplies for supplying the RF IC 50 or 70, and optionally the othercomponents of communication device 10 and/or its peripheral devices withsupply voltages and or currents (collectively power supply signals) thatmay be required to power these devices. On-chip power management circuit95′ can operate from one or more batteries, line power and/or from otherpower sources, not shown. In particular, on-chip power management module95′ can selectively supply power supply signals of different voltages,currents or current limits or with adjustable voltages, currents orcurrent limits in response to power mode signals 208 received fromprocessing module 225. In this fashion, on-chip power management circuit95′ operates as off-chip power management module 95, but on an on-chipbasis.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention. In particular RFtransceiver 125, such as transceiver 73 or 75, is shown in a furtherembodiment that includes similar elements that are referred to by commonreference numerals. In this embodiment, processing module 225 generatestransmit power control signal 169 and generates power mode signal 165,in response to transmit power control data 143 received via inbound RFsignal 152 and received signal 153. In this fashion, an external devicesuch as a base station, access point or other remote station can providetransmit power control data 143 to the RF transceiver in response to theoperating environment of the RF transceiver, reception characteristics,etc.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powermanagement circuitry in accordance with the present invention. Thisembodiment includes similar elements described in conjunction with FIG.11 that are referred to by common reference numerals. In this embodimenthowever, power mode signals 208 include power mode signal 165 that isgenerated based on transmit power control data 143 received by receiver127 from an external device. For instance, should the external device,based on its reception of signals from RF transceiver 125 and/or fromother devices, determine that RF transceiver 125 should increase ordecrease its transmit power or to cease transmitting altogether, theexternal device can generate transmit power control data 143 that issent via inbound RF signal 152 to RF transceiver 125 as control data,payload data or other signaling. In response, RF transceiver 125receives and decodes the transmit power control data 143 and processingmodule 225 generates transmit power control signal 169 that is sent toRF transmitter front end 150 to adjust the transmit power level andpower mode signal 165 that is sent to the power management unit 95 or95′ to adjust the transmitter supply signal 252 in accordance with theparticular transmit power level that has been selected.

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powermanagement circuitry in accordance with the present invention. Thisembodiment includes similar elements described in conjunction with FIGS.12 and 14 that are referred to by common reference numerals. Inparticular, on-chip power management circuit 95′ includes one or moreDC-DC converters, voltage regulators, current regulators or other powersupplies for supplying the RF IC 50 or 70, and optionally the othercomponents of communication device 10 and/or its peripheral devices withsupply voltages and or currents (collectively power supply signals) thatmay be required to power these devices. On-chip power management circuit95′ can operate from one or more batteries, line power and/or from otherpower sources, not shown as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention. In particular, aconfiguration is shown for transceiver 73 and/or 75 that includesmultiple RF transceivers 350, such as a RF transceiver 125, thattransmits outbound data 162 via each transceiver 350 and that canoperate as a MIMO transceiver generating inbound data 160 by combininginbound data from each of the transceivers 350 via maximum ratiorecombination or other processing technique, or operate as communicationdevice 30 that includes separate transceivers operating in accordancewith different protocols. Each transceiver includes a RF transmitter,such as RF transmitter 129, and an RF receiver, such as RF receiver 127that share a common antenna, that share a common antenna structure thatincludes multiple antennas or that that employ separate antennas for thetransmitter and receiver. In this configuration, processing module 225generates transmit power control signals 169, 169′, etc. and power modesignals 208 based on transmit power control data 147, 147′, etcetera,received from each of the transceivers 350.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the transmit power controldata 147, 147′ can include AGC signal 141 or transmit power control data143 as previously described. In addition, transmit power control data147 can be generated based on a signal strength, a power selectioncommand, reception data or other data received from an external devicesuch as a base station, access point or other communication device thatindicates how well transmission from the transceiver 350 has beenreceived or otherwise indicates or commands a transmit power level fortransceiver 350 based on interference with transmissions from otherdevices, power savings or other factors. Further or in the alternative,transmit power control data 147, 147′ can be a bit error rate, packeterror rate, retransmit rate, signal strength including signal power orsignal energy that is generated locally by transceiver 350 based on thereception of inbound RF data by transceiver 350.

In an embodiment of the present invention, processing module 225includes hardware, firmware or software to generate transmit powercontrol signals 169, 169′ and power mode signals 208 for controlling thereceiver supply signals and transmitter supply signals 252 for eachtransceiver 350 based on the an analysis of the transmit power controldata 147 from each transceiver 350.

In one example suited for a MIMO configuration, processing module 225can generate a AGC composite signal based on the AGC signals from eachtransceiver 350. For instance, the processing module 225 can compare theAGC signals 141, 141′, etc. from each of the plurality of transceivers350 and determine a lowest gain AGC signal that corresponds to a higheststrength of the plurality of received signals received by thetransceivers 350. In this example, the processing module can generatethe power mode signal 165 based on the lowest gain AGC signal. In otherexamples, the processing module can generate the AGC composite signalbased on the mean, median or mode of the AGC signals 141, 141′ or viaother combination or selection. In this example, the processing module225 can generate the transmit power control signal 169, 169′, etc. tocontrol the transmit power levels of the transceivers 350 to a singlecommon value based on the composite AGC signal, and generate power modesignals 208 to control the receiver supply signals 250 and transmittersupply signals 252 to corresponding levels, based either on thecomposite AGC signal or based on the value of the transmit power levelthat was selected. In this fashion, each transceiver 350 transmits atthe same power level, and has the same power consumption parameters,based on the highest gain received signal, or some averaging of the AGCsignals 141, 141′, etc. As will be understood, other forms of transmitpower control data 147, as discussed above, can likewise be used fromeach of the transceivers 350 to control the transmit power levels andconsumption parameters for each of the transceivers to common values.

It should also be noted that processing module 225 can generate transmitpower control signals 169, 169′ and power mode signals 208 forcontrolling the receiver supply signals and transmitter supply signals252 for each transceiver 350 based on the an analysis of the transmitpower control data 147 from less than all of the transceivers 350. Iffor instance, two transceivers 350 operate under different protocols butshare a common frequency band, such as a Bluetooth transceiver and aWLAN transceiver, a command to reduce power level received via theBluetooth receiver as transmit power control data 147 could be used byprocessing module 225 to reduce the transmit power level for alltransceivers 350 that share that same frequency band. In other examples,transmit power control data received via a wireless telephonytransceiver such as a GSM transceiver could be used to control thetransmit power level of an associated WLAN transceiver or Bluetoothtransceiver, etcetera, with commensurate changes to power consumptionparameters of the power supplies signals that feed these devices.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the processing moduleselects transmit power levels and power consumption parameters for thetransceivers 350 independently, based on the transmit power control data147 or 147′ of that particular transceiver. In other words, theindependent values of the power level selected for the RF transmitter ofeach of the plurality of transceivers 350 are based on the transmitpower control data from the RF receivers from the same RF transceiver.For example, if transmit power control data 147 corresponds to a mediumsignal strength and transmit power control data 147′ corresponds to ahigh signal strength, transmit power control signal 169 can be chosen tocorrespond to a medium power level and transmit power control signal169′ can be chosen to correspond to a high power level, with power modesignals 208 controlling the transmitter supply signals 252 individuallyto the transceivers 350 in a fashion to supply the voltage and currentnecessary to operate at these two power levels.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention. In particular, aconfiguration is shown for transceiver 73 and/or 75 that includessimilar elements to FIG. 16 that are referred to by common referencenumerals. In this embodiment multiple RF transceivers 350, such as a RFtransceiver 125, operate as a MIMO transceiver that transmits outbounddata 162 via each transceiver 350 and that generates inbound data 160 bycombining inbound data from each of the transceivers 350 via maximumratio recombination or other processing technique. In thisconfiguration, processing module 225 generates transmit power controlsignals 169, 169′, etc. based on signal strength indications 139, 139′,etcetera, received from each of the transceivers 350 and the power modesignals 208 in accordance with the selected transmit power for eachtransceiver 350. The signal strength indications 139 and 139′ can be abit error rate, packet error rate, retransmit rate, signal power, signalenergy or other indication of signal strength that is generated locallyby transceiver 350 based on the reception of inbound RF data bytransceiver 350.

In this embodiment, processing module 225 selects transmit power levelsfor the transceivers 350 independently, based on the signal strengthindication 139 or 139′ of that particular transceiver. In other words,the independent values of the power level selected for the RFtransmitter of each of the plurality of transceivers 350 are based onthe signal strength indication from the RF receivers from the same RFtransceiver. In this case, the processing module 225 generates thetransmit power control signals 169, 169′ for each RF transceiver 350 tocontrol the selected power level of at least one RF transceiver 350 to afirst value and the selected power level of at least one other RFtransceiver 350 to a second value.

For example, if signal strength indication 139 corresponds to a mediumsignal strength and signal strength indication 139′ corresponds to ahigh signal strength, transmit power control signal 169 can be chosen tocorrespond to a medium power level and transmit power control signal169′ can be chosen to correspond to a high power level, with power modesignals 208 controlling the transmitter supply signals 252 individuallyto the transceivers 350 in a fashion to supply the voltage and currentnecessary to operate at these two power levels.

FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFtransceiver in accordance with the present invention. In particular RFtransceiver 125, such as transceiver 73 or 75, is shown in a furtherembodiment that includes similar elements that are referred to by commonreference numerals. In this embodiment, RF transmitter 129 transmits atransmit signal 155 at a selectable transmit power based on a transmitpower control signal 169 and at a selectable data rate based on atransmit data rate signal 167 supplied to transmitter processing module146, and incorporated into the data rate of baseband or low IF transmitsignal 164. The processing module, in turn, generates the transmit datarate signal 167 based on a value of the transmit power control signal169. In this fashion, when signal strength indication 139 or transmitpower control data 147 from either RF front-end 140 or receiverprocessing module 144, indicates to processing module 225 that thetransmit power level of RF transmitter 129 should be adjusted, transmitdata rate signal 167 can also be generated to adjust the data rate toadapt to the new transmit power level. For instance, when a command isreceived to reduce the transmit power level from an external device, dueto reduce possible interference, the transmit data rate can be reducedto avoid loss of data and potentially provide greater data throughput,based on this reduced power level.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an embodiment ofan integrated circuit package in accordance with the present invention.Voice data and RF IC 325, such as RF IC 50 or 70, includes a system on achip (SoC) die 300, a memory die 302 a substrate 306, bonding pads 308and power management unit (PMU) 308, such as on-chip power managementcircuit 95′. This figure is not drawn to scale, rather it is meant to bea pictorial representation that illustrates the juxtaposition of the SoCdie 300, memory die 302, PMU 304 and the bonding pads 308. Inparticular, the voice data and RF IC 325 is integrated in a package witha top and a bottom having a plurality of bonding pads 308 to connect thevoice data and RF IC 325 to a circuit board, and wherein the on-chippower management unit 325 is integrated along the bottom of the package.In an embodiment of the present invention, die 302 includes the memorymodule 230 and die 300 includes the processing module 225. These diesare stacked and die bonding is employed to connect these two circuitsand minimize the number of bonding pads, (balls) out to the package.Both SoC die 300 and memory die 302 are coupled to respective ones ofthe bonding pads 308 via bonding wires or other connections.

PMU 304 is coupled to the SoC die 300, and/or the memory die 302 viaconductive vias, bonding wires, bonding pads or by other connections.The positioning of the PMU on the bottom of the package in a flip chipconfiguration allows good heat dissipation of the PMU 304 to a circuitboard when the voice data and RF integrated circuit is installed.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of a pictorial representation of an embodimentof an integrated circuit package in accordance with the presentinvention. As shown, the bonding pads (balls) 308 are arrayed in an areaof the bottom of the integrated circuit with an open center portion 310and wherein the on-chip power management unit (PMU 304) is integrated inthe open center portion. While a particular pattern and number ofbonding pads 308 are shown, a greater or lesser number of bonding padscan likewise be employed with alternative configurations within thebroad scope of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-20. In step 400, a received signal is receivedfrom an external device. In step 402, an automatic gain control (AGC)signal is generated based on a strength of the received signal. In step404, the received signal is amplified based on the AGC signal. In step406, a transmit power control signal is generated based on the AGCsignal. In step 408, a transmit signal is generated at a selected powerlevel, wherein the selected power level is based on the transmit powercontrol signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, step 406 can includecomparing the AGC signal to a plurality of thresholds. Step 408 caninclude adjusting a transmit gain of at least one adjustable gainamplifier based on the transmit power control signal, selecting at leastone of a plurality of series configured power amplifiers based on thetransmit power control signal or selecting at least one of a pluralityof parallel configured power amplifiers based on the transmit powercontrol signal and can operate in accordance with at least one of, awireless local area network protocol, a pico area network protocol, awireless telephony protocol, and a wireless data protocol. Step 400 canoperate in accordance with at least one of, a wireless local areanetwork protocol, a pico area network protocol, a wireless telephonyprotocol, and a wireless data protocol.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIG. 21. In step 410, the transmit power control signalis adjusted based on the AGC signal.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 21-22. In step 420, the AGC signal is filtered togenerate a filtered AGC signal. In step 422, the transmit power controlsignal is adjusted in response to the filtered AGC signal.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-23. In step 430, a received signal is receivedfrom an external device. In step 432, an automatic gain control (AGC)signal is generated based on a strength of the received signal. In step434, the received signal is amplified based on the AGC signal. In step436, a power mode signal is generated based on the AGC signal. In step438, a power consumption parameter of an IC is adjusted, based on thepower mode signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, step 438 can includegenerating a plurality of power supply signals based on the power modesignal, generating an additional transmitter power supply signal,generating a first transmitter power supply signal having a firstcurrent limit in response to a first value of the power mode signal, anda second transmitter power supply signal having a second current limitin response to a second value of the power mode signal and/or generatinga first transmitter power supply signal having a first supply voltage inresponse to a first value of the power mode signal, and a secondtransmitter power supply signal having a second supply voltage inresponse to a second value of the power mode signal. The powerconsumption parameter can include a power supply voltage and/or a powersupply current.

Step 436 can include comparing the AGC signal to a plurality ofthresholds and/or filtering the AGC signal to generate a filtered AGCsignal and adjusting the power mode signal in response to the filteredAGC signal.

Step 430 can selectively operate in accordance with at least two of, awireless local area network protocol, a pico area network protocol, awireless telephony protocol, and a wireless data protocol.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIG. 24. In step 440, a transmit signal is generated ina selected one of a plurality of operating ranges based on the powermode signal.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-25. In step 450, a transmit signal istransmitted at a selectable transmit power, based on a transmit powercontrol signal. In step 452, a received signal is received from anexternal device, the received signal including transmit power controldata. In step 454, the transmit power control signal is generated basedon the transmit power control data. In step 456 a power mode signal isgenerated based on the transmit power control data. In step 458, a powerconsumption parameter of at least one of, an RF receiver and an RFtransmitter, is generated based on the power mode signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention the power consumptionparameter includes a power supply voltage and/or power supply current.Step 458 can include generating a first transmitter power supply signalhaving a first current limit in response to a first value of the powermode signal, and a second transmitter power supply signal having asecond current limit in response to a second value of the power modesignal, generating a first transmitter power supply signal having afirst supply voltage in response to a first value of the power modesignal, and a second transmitter power supply signal having a secondsupply voltage in response to a second value of the power mode signal,generating a first receiver power supply signal having a first currentlimit in response to a first value of the power mode signal, and asecond receiver power supply signal having a second current limit inresponse to a second value of the power mode signal, and/or generating afirst receiver power supply signal having a first supply voltage inresponse to a first value of the power mode signal, and a secondreceiver power supply signal having a second supply voltage in responseto a second value of the power mode signal.

Step 452 can operate in accordance with at least one of, a wirelesslocal area network protocol, a pico area network protocol, a wirelesstelephony protocol, and a wireless data protocol.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-26. In step 460, a received signal is receivedusing an RF receiver. In step 462, an automatic gain control (AGC)signal is generated based on a strength of the received signal. In step464, the received signal is amplified based on the AGC signal. In step466, a power mode signal is generated based on the AGC signal. In step468, a transmit signal is generated using an RF transmitter. In step469, a power consumption parameter of at least one of, an RF receiverand an RF transmitter, is adjusted based on the power mode signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the power consumptionparameter includes a power supply voltage and/or a power supply current.Step 469 can include generating a first transmitter power supply signalhaving a first current limit in response to a first value of the powermode signal, and a second transmitter power supply signal having asecond current limit in response to a second value of the power modesignal, generating a first transmitter power supply signal having afirst supply voltage in response to a first value of the power modesignal, and a second transmitter power supply signal having a secondsupply voltage in response to a second value of the power mode signal,generating a first receiver power supply signal having a first currentlimit in response to a first value of the power mode signal, and asecond receiver power supply signal having a second current limit inresponse to a second value of the power mode signal, and/or generating afirst receiver power supply signal having a first supply voltage inresponse to a first value of the power mode signal, and a secondreceiver power supply signal having a second supply voltage in responseto a second value of the power mode signal.

Step 460 can operate in accordance with at least one of, a wirelesslocal area network protocol, a pico area network protocol, a wirelesstelephony protocol, and a wireless data protocol.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-27. In step 470, a plurality of receivedsignals are received. In step 472, a plurality of automatic gain control(AGC) signals are generated, wherein each of the plurality of automaticgain control (AGC) signals is based on a strength for a correspondingone of the plurality of received signals. In step 474, each of theplurality of received signals are amplified based on a corresponding oneof the plurality of AGC signals. In step 476, a power mode signal isgenerated based on the plurality of AGC signals. In step 478, a powerconsumption parameter of an IC is adjusted based on the power modesignal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, step 478 can includegenerating a plurality of power supply signals based on the power modesignal, generating at least one transmitter power supply signal inresponse to the power mode signal, generating an additional transmitterpower supply signal in response to the power mode signal, generating afirst transmitter power supply signal having a first current limit inresponse to a first value of the power mode signal, and a secondtransmitter power supply signal having a second current limit inresponse to a second value of the power mode signal, and/or generating afirst transmitter power supply signal having a first supply voltage inresponse to a first value of the power mode signal, and a secondtransmitter power supply signal having a second supply voltage inresponse to a second value of the power mode signal.

The power consumption parameter can include a power supply voltageand/or a power supply current. Step 476 can include comparing theplurality of AGC signals, determining a lowest gain AGC signal, from theplurality of AGC signals, that corresponds to a highest strength of thecorresponding one of the plurality of received signals, and generatingthe power mode signal based on the lowest gain AGC signal. Step 476 caninclude determining an AGC composite signal from the plurality of AGCsignals, generating the power mode signal based on the AGC compositesignal. The AGC composite signal can include one of, a mode of theplurality of AGC signals, a median of the plurality of AGC signals, anda mean of the plurality of AGC signals.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-28. In step 480 a plurality of received signalsare received. In step 482, a plurality of automatic gain control (AGC)signals are generated, wherein each of the plurality of automatic gaincontrol (AGC) signals is based on a strength for a corresponding one ofthe plurality of received signals. In step 484, each of the plurality ofreceived signals are amplified based on a corresponding one of theplurality of AGC signals. In step 486, a transmit power control signalis generated based on the plurality of AGC signals. In step 488, aplurality of transmit signals are generated, each having a selectedpower level, wherein the selected power level of each of the pluralityof transmit signals is based on the transmit power control signal.

Step 486 can include comparing the plurality of AGC signals, determininga lowest gain AGC signal, from the plurality of AGC signals, thatcorresponds to a highest strength of the corresponding one of theplurality of received signals, and generating the transmit power controlsignal based on the lowest gain AGC signal. Step 486 can includecomparing the lowest gain AGC signal to a plurality of thresholds. Step486 can include determining an AGC composite signal from the pluralityof AGC signals, generating the transmit power control signal based onthe AGC composite signal. The AGC composite signal can include one of, amode of the plurality of AGC signals, a median of the plurality of AGCsignals, and a mean of the plurality of AGC signals.

Step 486 can include comparing the composite AGC signal to a pluralityof thresholds. The transmit power control signal can controls theselected power level of each of the plurality of transmit signals to acommon value. The transmit power control signal can include a pluralityof individual transmit power control signals that control the selectedpower level of each of the plurality of transmit signals to independentvalues.

Step 486 can include filtering each of the plurality of AGC signals togenerate a corresponding plurality of filtered AGC signals, and themethod can further include adjusting the transmit power control based onthe plurality of filtered AGC signals.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-29. In step 500, a first inbound RF signal isreceived via a first wireless transceiver. In step 502, a first outboundRF signal is transmitted at a first selectable power level via the firstwireless transceiver, wherein the first selectable power level isselected based a first transmit power control signal. In step 504, asecond inbound RF signal is received via a second wireless transceiver.In step 506, a second outbound RF signal is transmitted at a secondselectable power level via the second wireless transceiver, wherein thesecond selectable power level is generated based on a second transmitpower control signal. In step 508, the first transmit power controlsignal and the second transmit power control signal are generated basedon first transmit power control data generated by the first wirelesstransceiver.

In an embodiment of the present invention, generating the first transmitpower control signal and the second transmit power control signal instep 508 is further based on second transmit power control datagenerated by the second wireless transceiver. Further, step 508 caninclude controlling the first selectable power level and the secondselectable power level to a common value or controlling the firstselectable power level and the second selectable power level toindependent values.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-30. In step 510, a first inbound RF signal isreceived and a first outbound RF signal is transmitted via a firstwireless transceiver that operates based on a first power supply signal.In step 512, a second inbound RF signal and a second outbound RF signalis transmitted via a second wireless transceiver that that operatesbased on a second power supply signal. In step 514, at least one powermode signal is generated based on first transmit power control datagenerated by the first wireless transceiver. In step 516, a first powerconsumption parameter of the first power supply signal is adjusted and asecond power consumption parameter of the second power supply signal isadjusted based on the at least one power mode signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, step 514 is further based onsecond transmit power control data generated by the second wirelesstransceiver. Step 516 can include adjusting the first power consumptionparameter of the first power supply signal and the second powerconsumption parameter of the second power supply signal to a commonvalue or adjusting the first power consumption parameter of the firstpower supply signal and the second power consumption parameter of thesecond power supply signal to independent values. The second powerconsumption parameter can include one of, a power supply voltage and apower supply current.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-31. In step 600 a transmit power control signalis generated. In step 602, a transmit data rate signal is generatedbased on a value of the transmit power control signal. In step 604, thetransmit signal is transmitted at a selectable transmit power based onthe transmit power control signal and at a selectable data rate based onthe transmit data rate signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the power consumptionparameter includes a power supply voltage or a power supply current. Thepower mode signal can be generated based on the value of the transmitpower control signal.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIG. 32. In step 610, a power mode signal is generated.In step 613, a power consumption parameter of the RF transmitter isadjusted based on the power mode signal.

FIG. 34 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 32 and 33. In step 620, a plurality of powersupply signals are generated including a transmitter supply signal, andwherein the power consumption parameter of step 612 is a parameter ofthe transmitter supply signal.

FIG. 35 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-34. In step 700, a corresponding power levelfor a plurality of RF transmitters is selected based on a plurality oftransmit power control signals. In step 702, each of a plurality oftransmit signals are transmitted at the corresponding power level. Instep 704, a plurality of received signals are received from an externaldevice via a corresponding plurality of RF receivers, each of thecorresponding plurality of RF receivers corresponding to one of theplurality of RF transmitters. In step 706, a signal strength indicationis generated corresponding to each of the plurality of received signals.In step 708, the plurality of transmit power control signals aregenerated based on the signal strength indication of the correspondingplurality of RF receivers. In step 710, a plurality of power modesignals are generated in accordance with the corresponding power levelfor the plurality of RF transmitters. In step 712, a plurality of powerconsumption parameters for the plurality of RF transmitters are adjustedbased on the plurality of power mode signals.

In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the pluralityof power consumption parameters includes a power supply voltage or apower supply current.

FIG. 36 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-35. In step 800, a plurality of receivedsignals are received from an external device via a plurality of RFreceivers. In step 802, a signal strength indication is generatedcorresponding to each of the plurality of received signals. In step 804,a corresponding power level for each of a plurality of RF transmittersis selected, each of the plurality of RF transmitters corresponding toone of the plurality of RF receivers, wherein the corresponding powerlevel for each of the plurality of RF transmitters is selected based onthe signal strength indication of the corresponding one of the pluralityof RF receivers. In step 806, a corresponding power consumptionparameter for the plurality of RF transmitters is adjusted based on thecorresponding power level.

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted toleranceranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to,but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit processvariations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermalnoise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a fewpercent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, theterm(s) “coupled to” and/or “coupling” and/or includes direct couplingbetween items and/or indirect coupling between items via an interveningitem (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, anelement, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for indirect coupling, theintervening item does not modify the information of a signal but mayadjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As mayfurther be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element iscoupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirectcoupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As mayeven further be used herein, the term “operable to” indicates that anitem includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s),etc., to perform one or more its corresponding functions and may furtherinclude inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may stillfurther be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes directand/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item beingembedded within another item. As may be used herein, the term “comparesfavorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items,signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when thedesired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude thansignal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude ofsignal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude ofsignal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

The present invention has also been described above with the aid ofmethod steps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

The present invention has been described above with the aid offunctional building blocks illustrating the performance of certainsignificant functions. The boundaries of these functional buildingblocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description.Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significantfunctions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocksmay also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certainsignificant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram blockboundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and stillperform the certain significant functionality. Such alternatedefinitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocksand sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimedinvention. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that thefunctional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules andcomponents herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discretecomponents, application specific integrated circuits, processorsexecuting appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.

1. An integrated circuit (IC) comprising: a plurality of RFtransceivers, each RF transceiver including: an RF transmitter thattransmits a transmit signal at a selected transmit power, based on atransmit power control signal; and a corresponding RF receiver forreceiving a corresponding one of a plurality of received signals from anexternal device and for generating a signal strength indicationcorresponding to each of the plurality of received signals; a processingmodule, coupled to the plurality of RF transceivers, that generates thetransmit power control signal for each RF transmitter based on thesignal strength indication of the corresponding RF receiver, and thatgenerates a power mode signal corresponding to a power consumptionparameter of each RF transmitter in accordance with the selectedtransmit power for each RF transmitter.
 2. The IC of claim 1 wherein theprocessing module generates the transmit power control signals for eachRF transmitter to control the selected power level of at least one RFtransmitter to a first value and the selected power level of at leastone other RF transmitter to a second value.
 3. The IC of claim 1 furthercomprising: a power management circuit, coupled to the processingmodule, that adjusts the power consumption parameter of each RFtransmitter based on the power mode signal.
 4. The IC of claim 3 whereinthe power management circuit generates a plurality of power supplysignals based on the power mode signal.
 5. The IC of claim 1 wherein anoff-chip power management circuit adjusts the power consumptionparameter of each RF transmitter based on the power mode signal.
 6. TheIC of claim 1 wherein the power consumption parameter includes a powersupply voltage.
 7. The IC of claim 1 wherein the power consumptionparameter includes a power supply current.
 8. The IC of claim 1 whereineach RF transmitter operates in a selected one of a plurality ofoperating ranges based on the power mode signal; and operates from atleast one transmitter power supply signal generated by a powermanagement circuit in response to the power mode signal.
 9. The IC ofclaim 8 wherein the power management circuit generates an additionaltransmitter power supply signal in response to the power mode signal.10. The IC of claim 8 wherein the power management circuit generates afirst transmitter power supply signal having a first current limit inresponse to a first value of the power mode signal, and a secondtransmitter power supply signal having a second current limit inresponse to a second value of the power mode signal.
 11. The IC of claim8 wherein the power management circuit generates a first transmitterpower supply signal having a first supply voltage in response to a firstvalue of the power mode signal, and a second transmitter power supplysignal having a second supply voltage in response to a second value ofthe power mode signal.
 12. The IC of claim 1 wherein the plurality of RFtransceivers operate in accordance with at least one of, a wirelesslocal area network protocol, a pico area network protocol, a wirelesstelephony protocol, and a wireless data protocol.
 13. A methodcomprising: selecting a corresponding power level for a plurality of RFtransmitters based on a plurality of transmit power control signals;transmitting each of a plurality of transmit signals at thecorresponding power level; receiving a plurality of received signalsfrom an external device via a corresponding plurality of RF receivers,each of the corresponding plurality of RF receivers corresponding to oneof the plurality of RF transmitters; generating a signal strengthindication corresponding to each of the plurality of received signals;generating the plurality of transmit power control signals based on thesignal strength indication of the corresponding plurality of RFreceivers; and generating a plurality of power mode signals inaccordance with the corresponding power level for the plurality of RFtransmitters.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: adjusting aplurality of power consumption parameters for the plurality of RFtransmitters based on the plurality of power mode signals.
 15. Themethod of claim 14 wherein at least one of the plurality of powerconsumption parameters includes a power supply voltage.
 16. The methodof claim 14 wherein at least one of the plurality of power consumptionparameters includes a power supply current.
 17. A method comprising:receiving a plurality of received signals from an external device via aplurality of RF receivers; generating a signal strength indicationcorresponding to each of the plurality of received signals; selecting acorresponding selected power level for each of a plurality of RFtransmitters, each of the plurality of RF transmitters corresponding toone of the plurality of RF receivers, wherein the corresponding selectedpower level for each of the plurality of RF transmitters is selectedbased on the signal strength indication of the corresponding one of theplurality of RF receivers; and independently adjusting a correspondingpower consumption parameter for the plurality of RF transmitters basedon the selected power level for each of the plurality of RFtransmitters.